If you’re like me you work hard and love it, yet one day plan to downsize your to-do list and possessions so that you can enjoy more time doing the things that you enjoy as you move into your golden years. I feel it is important to avoid stress in retirement and although retirement solutions are not necessarily a topic I focus on in this blog, I have this helpful article to share with you which offers some very helpful advice for a more enjoyable and stress free retirement…

Avoid stress in your retirement

Retirement should be an enjoyable part of life, but unfortunately for some it brings with it added stresses and strains that may tarnish the golden years.

To avoid stress in your retirement, it is best to plan well in advance for what you will need when you are no longer working and for the possibility that one day you may not be able to provide an adequate level of care for yourself.

In particular, consideration should be given to living arrangements post-retirement. An option to consider is living in a retirement community. Not only does such a community provide the type of support and security that seniors require, but it can also save them money, which, in itself, is an important consideration to factor into retirement planning.

Planning properly for retirement well in advance affords people the opportunity to think through what they will need and to discuss the options with other family members.

When it comes to choosing a retirement community, visit as many as possible to see what is available and to compare one facility to the next.

A good time to visit a retirement community is when there are activities on, so the potential resident can see what types of events and activities are held there and what level of participation there is.

It is a good idea to ask management for a schedule of events and activities to determine if the community hosts the type of events in which a retiree would be interested.

A key factor in moving into a retirement community is safety and security, so asking about specific safety and security arrangements is vital.

What arrangements are in place in the event of an emergency situation?

What are staffing levels like at night?

How do residents contact staff if an emergency arises?

To get a feel for what a retirement community will be like to live in, ask current and former residents and families about their opinions and the experiences they have had. The benefits that come from living in a retirement community are plentiful, both in terms of finance and health. In general, the cost of maintaining an independent home will be greater than the cost of moving to a retirement community. Indeed, the cost of maintaining a home can become increasingly burdensome as people age and those jobs that seniors were once able to do themselves have to be done by hired help. In a retirement community environment, the costs associated with maintenance and repairs are split between the residents. Utility costs can also fall significantly, as the retirement community can obtain a bulk plan for utility purchases.

Eating properly is an important consideration for seniors, and many people find that as they age, they can no longer cook for themselves. Making use of a dining plan in a retirement community removes the burden of cooking and ensures that the retiree is getting the meals and nutrition they need.

In terms of medical care, living in a retirement community affords easier access to medical care, including nurses and prescription delivery. Medical insurance costs can fall because there is a greater chance of obtaining emergency care on time if required.